Along The Rock15 Sep 2025

Helping Kids Thrive: Tri-County Opportunities Council’s Early Education Programs

👶📚 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum talks with Kerrie Winge and Sarah Nambo from Tri-County Opportunities Council about the transformative power of Head Start and Early Head Start.

These programs are so much more than daycare—they provide early education, family services, mental health support, and even essentials like diapers, formula, and baby food for families in need.

✨ In this conversation, you’ll discover:

The difference between Head Start & Early Head Start
How families qualify and what services are included
What a typical day in the classroom looks like
An inspiring story of how Head Start changed one mom’s life—and career
How the community can get involved through time, skills, or donations

Head Start and Early Head Start serve families across nine counties, with centers in Sterling, Dixon, Rochelle, Ottawa, Streator, Seneca, Mendota, Paw Paw, Spring Valley, and LaSalle.

📞 To learn more or to apply, call 1-800-323-5434 and ask for Head Start.

🎙️ Tune in now to hear how these programs are helping kids—and families—thrive from day one.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stories from Rock Falls and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

0:38 - Overview of Early Education Programs

3:00 - Who Qualifies for Early Head Start and Head Start?3:44 - A Day in the Life of a Head Start Student

4:55 - Head Start Changes Lives

6:40 - How You can Support Head Start

9:04 - Contact Information

Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below:

#earlyeducation #earlychildhoodeducation #headstart #tcochelps #saukvalley #alongtherock #radarfreepress

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